ST. PAUL, Minn. – A coordinated scheme to steal nearly $200,000 from charitable gambling funds has led to the arrest of eight men in Minnesota. The suspects primarily targeted pull tab funds from bars and restaurants in the Twin Cities Metro Area and greater Minnesota. These funds were intended to support youth sports programs, veterans’ organizations, and other community activities.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) division reported that the eight men are facing 44 felony charges, including second-degree burglary, attempted burglary, and theft, for stealing a total of $197,694 from these charitable funds.
“These criminals weren’t just stealing money; they were stealing from kids, from families, from veterans, and from the programs that help build stronger communities,” said AGE Director Carla Cincotta. “Thanks to our agency’s investigation and law enforcement partners, we were able to stop this group in their tracks.”
The 14-month investigation revealed that Arron Scott King Sr., 50, from St. Paul, led the group in a racketeering operation based out of his home. The suspects allegedly broke into safes that held the proceeds from pull tab sales meant for charitable causes. These criminal activities occurred between March 6, 2023, and February 22, 2024.
Along with King, the men charged in the scheme include:
Sean Charles Fikes, 48, of Minneapolis
Jawan Edward Jackson, 34, of Hugo
Aaron Scot King Jr., 26, of St. Paul
Dale Anthony Massie Jr., 50, of St. Paul
Emondre James Morrison, 28, of West St. Paul
Tyler Nicholas Paananen-Berneche, 31, of Newport
Cory Jay Rosillo, 54, of Mankato
Investigators discovered that King allegedly directed his co-defendants to carry out burglaries of local businesses. The suspects are accused of using tools like pry bars and sledgehammers to break into buildings and access pull tab booths and safes.
The stolen funds were intended for a range of charitable activities, including:
American Legion organizations in communities such as Howard Lake and Stillwater
Champlin-Dayton Athletic Association
Eastview Hockey Association
Elk River Lions Club
Hopkins Raspberry Association
Irish Football Boosters
Jefferson Athletic Foundation
Monticello Youth Hockey Program
Rogers Youth Hockey Association
Roseville Youth Hockey Association
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4210, Forest Lake
This investigation involved extensive collaboration between AGE and numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Apple Valley Police Department, Blaine Police Department, Bloomington Police Department, and many others across the state.
The arrested men now face multiple charges for their involvement in the thefts, which have had a significant impact on the communities they targeted. The case is ongoing as authorities continue their efforts to bring justice.
